The number of choices we face in the dog food aisle continues to expand. Add in the latest subscription services and life becomes difficult for dog owners. The latest trend for dog food is fresh foods that ship to your door. Unlike dry dog food, subscription services by the best fresh dog food brands are created to USDA and FDA guidelines for human-grade products [1]. Understanding the difference between fresh food and kibble is important when deciding what to feed your pup. Choose the dry or fresh food that suits her health and activity levels.
Article Summary
What is Fresh Dog Food?
The traditional view of dog food is small kibble pellets. Kibble remains the largest sector of the pet food industry. Fresh dog food has been receiving a lot of attention as the sector grows. This is mostly driven by the number of millennials with disposable income who will spend more on the food they provide pets.
The best dog food delivery service companies today are marketing fresh meals based on health benefits and all the nutrients dogs need. The fresh dog food market is the fastest growing in the U.S., meaning the marketing approach is working for brands. The natural ingredients in fresh food are an upgrade over most kibbles. The term fresh does not have a specific definition within the pet food industry. The main ingredients in fresh dog food brands are meats, fruits, and vegetables. By providing fresh foods that are recognizable there is less concern about diet.
Best Fresh Dog Foods Benefits
Providing the best food for your pup is important. Making the right decisions about what to feed your dog comes with benefits and negatives. The best fresh dog food brands state their products offer plenty of health benefits. The potential benefits for your pup include a shiny coat and improved eyesight. The inclusion of chemicals in kibble leads to her body trying to detoxify itself. The detoxification process leads to inflammation resulting in pain and swelling. Limiting the amount of inflammation in your dog’s body is an important health factor. Inflammation causes many diseases that have lifelong consequences for your pup.
Different Types of Fresh Food
The fresh foods on offer from manufacturers have been changing recently. The traditional form of fresh foods was the roll. Store fresh food rolls in the refrigerator and slice portions when needed. New meals resembling a human casserole and bagged foods are now available. The bagged food options from dog food brands resemble kibble without allergy problems. Rolled fresh food remains the most popular, with other options gaining popularity.
Fewer Fillers and Preservatives
A problem with major commercial dog food manufacturers has been the lack of regulation. The unregulated pet food sector uses parts of animals known as by-products and filler. The use of soy, wheat, and corn as fillers causes concern for some pet parents. The concern about fillers stems from a fear that your dog’s food will be poisonous to her. Fillers can cause skin allergies and breathing problems in some dogs. The rate of food allergies in canines has been a driving force behind the growth of the fresh dog food market.
The chemicals used to preserve your dog’s food have become a concern for some pet parents. The preservatives in kibble and dry foods can cause medical conditions and illness. Preservatives do allow your dog’s food to last longer than fresh pet food. The payoff is a higher level of inflammation in some dogs caused by the use of chemicals.
Switching to Fresh Foods
Choosing to make the switch to fresh dog foods is not one to be taken lightly. If your dog has lived a happy life eating kibble and shows no sign of medical issues it can be hard to make the switch. The decision about what kind of dog food to give your pup is difficult, with all foods offering benefits and problems. Skin allergies and medical problems prompt many dog owners to switch to fresh food. Some medical conditions require prescription-standard food. Human-grade standards will not replicate the requirements and benefits of medically-approved foods.
Fresh foods are made with produce and meats. Knowing the allergies of your dog is important to keep her fit and healthy for the future. Some canines are allergic to foods and suffer vomiting and excessive panting when fed these ingredients.
Homemade Dog Food
The rise of fresh food subscription services led to some pet parents exploring making pet foods at home. Fresh and raw food diets and recipes can be found on websites and apps. One of the benefits of making homemade dog food is your control over what ingredients you use. Homemade dog foods use high-quality ingredients that limit the chance of allergic reactions and sickness. A homemade recipe can be adapted to provide the ingredients your dog loves. Instead of entrusting the health of your pup to a commercial manufacturer, you are sourcing and creating recipes to suit the needs of your pup.
Consult Your Vet
Making a change to your dog’s diet should not be done without consulting your vet. A large change like switching from kibble to fresh food needs to be done under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. Changes to the diet of your dog can lead to medical issues and a loss of appetite. Your vet will be able to give you advice about the amount of food you should be providing and ratios during the transition. Keeping your dog safe and healthy throughout the transition to fresh food needs to be your top priority.
FAQs
1. What is considered fresh dog food?
Fresh foods use whole foods without fillers and preservatives. Fresh dog food brands offer foods with a shorter shelf life that need refrigeration.
2. Is fresh food better for dogs?
All dog food brands do not make equal food. Some fresh food brands offer products of lower quality than premium kibble. Different kibble varieties offer low quality compared to fresh food providers.
3. Is fresh dog food the same as raw?
Fresh food is cooked before being sent out to consumers. Raw food is not cooked and is eaten without cooking.
4. Do vets recommend fresh dog food?
You should talk to your vet to determine if fresh food is a good option for your pup.
